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The Language Centre was established in 2005 with the following aspirations:
- To provide linguistic support for our International Students
- To provide Intercultural support for all (Irish and International) who work and attend CCC
- To extend Intercultural support to Parents and Local Community.
The framework of our Policy Document on Interculturalism and Anti-racism is: Protection, Inclusion, Provision, Recognition and Participation.
To date we have:
- pioneered innovative methods for the teaching of EOL (English as an Other Language)
- initiated an annual award for students who gain the maximum differential mark in their end-of-year exams
- hosted CCC’s Inaugural Intercultural Festival
- celebrated the festivals of other cultures’ through the display of multilingual posters and announcements in the mother tongues of our International Students
- established an International Board Games Club which meets every Friday at lunchtime
- been awarded a grant by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to provide Intercultural training for Staff, Students and Parents/Community
- won the all-Ireland competition to celebrate European Day of Languages 2006 organised by Léargas – 6 students culturally deconstructed houses numbers 10 to 22 Moore Street, Dublin
- established CCC as a SED (School Embracing Diversity).
LANGUAGE CENTRE CCC POLICY DOCUMENT ON INTERCULTURALISM AND ANTI-RACISM
MISSION STATEMENT
WE CATER EQUALLY FOR ALL THE STUDENTS OF ALL NATIONS WHO COME INTO OUR CARE
OUR AIM IS TO BECOME AN ALMA MATER FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WHO ATTEND OUR COLLEGE AND TO FOSTER IN THEM ACADEMIC, PSYCHOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL AND RELATIONAL WELL-BEING WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO INTEGRATE WHOLLY INTO THE SOCIETY OF WHICH THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO BEOME A PART
The Framework on which the Castleknock Community College Policy Document will be built includes:
- Protection
- Inclusion
- Provision
- Recognition
- Participation
1 PROTECTION
- Garda Act 2005 available in LC
- Establish a liaison with Garda Ethnic Liaison Officer
- Reports and analysis of racist incidents to be located in Language Centre (in addition to administration)
- Personnel from LC to be involved in racist incidents with a view to building a bank of knowledge from which the College can draw if needed. It would be desirable for the one person in the College to be given training in this area
2 INCLUSION
AIM: TO CREATE AN ALL-INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
- % Of international Students in CCC
Pro rata representation of International Students in:
- Student Council
- Parents’ Association
- College awards
- Positive action required to promote cultural diversity
- Ensure anti-racist policies do not contribute to the problem of discrimination
- A SIM (Social Inclusion Monitoring) Group including reps from Student Council, Teachers, Parents’ Association, to be established
- Develop a one year plan regarding Equality in CCC
- Key issues for different minority ethnic groups to be identified
- A sport from another culture to be introduced into the PE Department
- Examine all our policies, practices, procedures and perceptions in the context of interculturalism and anti-racism
- Have CCC audited by the Equality Authority
3 PROVISION
- Each new International Student to be provided with a CCC Welcome Pack which would include
- A map of the College
- Map of the area
- Map of Dublin
- School Rules and Diary
- Language Centre Rules (to include use of computers)
- Bus/arrow timetables
- Personalised study cards
- List of key services in the area, together with telephone numbers to include:
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Gardaí
- Passport Office
- Post Office
- Local Credit Union
- List of Cinemas/theatres/entertainment
- School reports to be made available in all languages
- Translators provided for information evenings and parent/teacher meetings
- Standard letters to be available in all languages
- Picture dictionary of course subjects
- Provide training for students, staff and parents (offer a night class?) on interculturalism and anti-racism
- Provide an environment where students, staff and parents can learn to live together in harmony
- Are there more opportunities for social, sporting and cultural initiatives, which would serve to promote interaction, understanding and respect for all cultures and races within the College and Community? Could we perhaps organise a week/two-day Intercultural Festival which would become a permanent feature of CCC?
4 RECOGNITION
- Recognise the equal entitlement of students from every country, race and culture to have an equal share of the Respect, Responsibilities and Rights inherent in Castleknock Community College
- Recognise the potential academic, cultural, social and intellectual contributions other nationalities will make to CCC and the environs if they are provided with a positive and safe and nurturing environment
- Recognise the key cultural celebrations of the different cultures in CCC – establish a Cultural Committee which would take responsibility for ensuring all celebrations are honoured and highlighted in the College
- Identify the key issues for minority ethnic groups
- Recognise the danger of being reactive rather than proactive in the area of interculturalism and anti-racism
5 PARTICIPATION
- Equal participation of students from all nations in all areas of CCC
- Develop initiatives aimed at encouraging International Students to become involved in the life of the College
- Provide advice and support to students wishing to become involved.
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